Learning the Chess Clock
Players learn how a chess clock works and play timed games, preparing for tournament conditions.
In a tournament, games cannot go forever, so we use a chess clock. It is really two clocks in one. Your clock runs only while it is your turn to move. When you finish your move, you press the button and it starts your opponent's clock and stops yours. If your time runs out, you lose, so you have to think, but not forever.
- Each player has their own time that counts down only on their turn.
- After you move, you press your side of the clock with the same hand you moved with. This starts your opponent's time.
- Many clocks add a small bonus of a few seconds per move (called an increment) so you never run out just from pressing buttons.
- If your time hits zero, you lose on time, even if your position is winning. So manage your clock.
If you do not have physical clocks, free clock apps on a phone or tablet work fine, and there are simple online chess-clock websites. One clock shared between a pair is enough to practice with.
Have players play with a clock. Start generous, ten or fifteen minutes each side, so the clock is a gentle presence, not a source of panic. Let them get used to the rhythm of move-then-press.
Suggested tournament time control (for later this week): 15 minutes per player plus 10 seconds added per move. That produces games of roughly 30 to 45 minutes, which fits a class period. Today is just about comfort with the mechanics.